A patent landscape of green transition in the Indian automobile industry

Abstract

The Indian automobile industry is experiencing a rapid technological transition, shaped by growing pressures for environmental sustainability. While scholarship has extensively examined the role of FDI in transferring clean technologies to developing economies, less attention has been paid to the evolving domestic innovation landscape and the contributions of new entrants. Addressing this gap, the present study employs patent-based analysis to map the trajectory of green and dirty technologies in India's automobile industry. Using international patent classification codes, co-occurrence network analysis, and revealed technological advantage indices, we track resident and non-resident patent filings, examine the portfolios of incumbents and startups, and explore technological linkages between clean, dirty, and grey innovations. Our results reveal a sustained increase in clean patenting activity, especially in electric vehicle technologies. However, internal combustion engine-related innovations continue to dominate due to path dependency and regulatory-driven grey innovation. Startups demonstrate high specialization in clean technologies, whereas incumbent firms retain diversified portfolios. By uncovering the heterogeneous roles of incumbents and startups and highlighting the coexistence of clean, dirty, and grey innovations, this study contributes novel insights into the green transition of a critical industrial sector in a developing economy. The findings underscore the need for targeted R&D incentives, regulatory support, and startup-oriented policies to accelerate India's transition toward sustainable mobility. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.